Who: Jamie Madrox (short narrative) What: Coming home When: LATE tonight.
Coming home was the right thing to do and though Jamie had entertained the thought of leaving for good on more than one drunken nights, he hadn't ever seriously thought about not returning to X-Factor. It was the only place he belonged, the only place he really fit. But that didn't make returning any easier.
Jamie lingered outside the building for far longer than necessary, watching the late evening blend into the night. The street grew noisy and then still as people made their way out and then home again.
The last thing Jamie wanted to do was cause a stir. So when his hand hesitated over the doorknob, he hoped that his friends were asleep. And he prepared himself for stealth mode. All he needed to do was sneak into his bedroom. Or a guest room. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to disturb Mia if she was already sleeping.
It was more than a small relief when he opened the door and was met with silence. It seemed that someone was always awake and crashing around X-Factor, but given the fact that it was Friday night and right before Valentine's Day, Jamie figured those who weren't already in bed were out having fun. In the living room, he looked around and inhaled deeply. The world felt different when standing in this space. For a brief moment, Jamie almost forgot why he'd gone running. It was a pleasant feeling to have that burden lifted, if just for a second.
Up a flight of stairs, and Jamie was standing outside of his bedroom. The light was off and he could hear the soft sound of Mia, deep in sleep. For a moment, he hung by the door and listened. He'd missed her and would have to make up his disappearance to her more than to the rest of his friends. But for now, he decided to let her sleep. His fingertips brushed against the door and then he pulled himself away to a guest room.
Sleep took him just a few minutes after he hit the mattress. It was true what they said; there really was no place like home.